Addressing the 138th episode of Mann Ki Baat on September 27, Modi said the surgical strikes would complete 10 years on September 28-29.
He said the Indian Army had carried out strikes on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan in 2016 after crossing the LoC. Modi said the operation demonstrated a new approach to counter-terrorism and described it as a decisive response to the terrorist attacks India had faced over the years.
The Prime Minister said India had repeatedly conveyed its position on terrorism over the past decade, referring to the Balakot air strike and Operation Sindoor as subsequent examples.
“India follows a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism,” Modi said while recalling the country’s response to terrorist attacks.
Reference to Delhi Blasts and 26/11
Modi also recalled some of the major terror attacks that had taken place in India.
He mentioned the September 13, 2008 serial blasts in Delhi, in which several people were killed, and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks that followed weeks later.
The Prime Minister said India had suffered the consequences of terrorism for a long period and linked the memory of these attacks to the country’s present counter-terrorism approach.
He also referred to the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in the United States and paid tribute to those who lost their lives.
Census Participation Highlighted
During the programme, Modi also urged citizens to participate in the ongoing census exercise.
He said more than 2.6 crore people had already entered their details through the census portal using the self-enumeration facility. He described accurate family-level information as important for building a reliable picture of the country’s future requirements.
Focus on Cleanliness and Drug-Free India
The Prime Minister also spoke about cleanliness ahead of October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
He said social media posts, videos and other public initiatives promoting cleanliness could help build wider participation in sanitation campaigns.
Modi also highlighted campaigns by young people against drug abuse. Under MY Bharat, activities including anthem creation, slogan writing and street plays have been organised to spread awareness about drug de-addiction.
Pygmy Hog Conservation in Assam
Conservation efforts in Assam also featured in the episode.
Modi highlighted the recovery of the pygmy hog population through a dedicated conservation programme, while also referring to elephants returning to parts of their former habitat after encroachments were removed from the Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary.
The pygmy hog, one of the world’s smallest wild pig species, has been the focus of long-running conservation efforts in Assam.
Ganesha’s Cultural Presence in Thailand
Modi also spoke about the popularity of Ganesha in Thailand, where the deity is known as Phra Phikanet.
He noted the interest in Indian traditions and pilgrimage practices, including the Ashtavinayak tradition, among devotees in Thailand.
Surgical Strikes to Operation Sindoor
The 2016 surgical strikes remain a significant reference point in India’s public discussion of its counter-terrorism response.
In his latest Mann Ki Baat address, Modi placed the operation alongside the Balakot air strike and Operation Sindoor while reiterating that India would respond to terrorist attacks.
